A Desktop PC for running ArcGIS 10

I have been assigned with the task of finding a computer (PC) that will run ArcGIS 10 and is as budget-friendly as possible.

I figure there are probably people around here who know about these things- I’m having trouble translating the system requirements listed on the program’s webpage to the specs for the desktops I am looking at.

The system requirements for the program are listed here: ArcGIS Resource Center

Thanks in advance for the help!

Pretty much any of the stock Dell machines will run the desktop software. Are you looking for a server? You need to be more specific about what you’re not understanding, and give a better price range.

Almost.
ARCGis deals with Geo-Spatial data and therefore greatly benefits from a “CAD” graphics card. The system specs on the site seem to be minimal, but I’d recommend a video card in the Quadro line from nVidia or FireGL from ATI. I believe DELL does offer those options.

I agree with the graphics card suggestion. I haven’t used Arc10 yet, but when I was using Arc regularly the graphic card bump really helped out.